Optimize Meetings for Connection, Not Content
I’m always curious about a participants’s experience of meetings, workshops and events. There’s much to be learned from their side of the podium. So why is it that I’ve just heard about 2 events that left participants feeling silenced, frustrated and uninspired? These experiences were designed to get through a mountain of content in a tight timeline. These events started with back-to-back presentations that launched before anyone had a sip of coffee. They didn’t allow participants a chance to connect. They moved to the next agenda item without time to integrate what was shared. These experiences are designed to celebrate content, not connection. I’ve recently learned to imagine event participants like the protagonists of a story. Facilitators and presenters consider them as the hero of a quest. Each participant should feel like they faced a challenge and conquered it. A collective transformation unfolds through the event. For a one-hour meeting or
Why we all need to be responsible tourists
Building better places to live and better places to visit I’ve lived in a resort town for about 15 years. We’re only 14,000 residents, but we welcome over 3 million visitors per year. It has transformed my life and my work. It has also provided me a unique perspective on tourism and how it can shape a community. Stewarding and managing tourism destinations are a co-created responsibility between government, tourism partners and community groups − all focused with the local’s wellbeing at heart. Most of my work in the last three year has been facilitating conversations designed to build a collaborative approach to managing tourism (known as destination management and development). The next time you pack your bags and head out on an adventure abroad, consider the impact your trip has on the communities you visit. I was recently interviewed by Maryam Siddiqi of the Globe & Mail about this
How to Design Events to Tell a Story
Memorable events are built with a narrative I’m at that age where sometimes, I can’t remember what I did last week, or even yesterday. But I do remember good stories, the ones with interesting characters, a lively script, lots of action and a big aha moment. These bestsellers follow a storytelling template that works every time. A narrative that slowly builds and keeps readers flipping pages right until the end. When designing an event, workshop or planning session, have you scripted the narrative? How will the event story unfold? What lessons will be learned? What story will be shared after the event? Using a Dramatic Arc to frame the event narrative will help ensure it becomes a compelling story. Consider participants as the protagonist. They become part of the story from your first event invitation… to the days that follow after it ends. Event Invitation Use the event invitation as
Personal Pledge of Reconciliation
Here’s what I’m thinking about today. My journey to listening and learning about reconciliation with Indigenous peoples started about 12 years ago when my husband and I chose the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre for our wedding venue. I’ll never forget the beautiful energy of the space, blessings from Lil’wat Nations elders, gift of an eagle feather and the chance to share this special cultural centre with our closest friends and family. In the work that I do, I am constantly learning and listening to my colleagues and Indigenous neighbours to try and understand the truth from a different world view and take meaningful actions toward reconciliation in action. To advance this learning, I’ve uncovered eight simple commitments you can weave into your life. In the spirit of reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples in Canada, I, Diana Mulvey, solemnly pledge to: Learn more about Indigenous Peoples and issues. Continue to look forward
A Workshop Designed for Connection
Say no to boring agendas with no time for connection Recently, I was engaged to bring 40 participants from across the province together for a workshop. In three hours, we aimed to set a foundation for a Province-wide major events strategy. The workshop participants were motivated since events and sport tournaments can bring huge economic potential and numerous benefits for communities. Here’s how I approached the opportunity to design and facilitate a memorable experience. Experience Design The experience was designed to encourage collaboration between participants. Typically, these professionals work in isolation to attract events and there are even silos between neighbouring communities. Every moment on the agenda contributed toward collaboration and connection. Workshop Guidelines To anchor the discussions and create a container for the workshop, we established clear Guidelines. These were shaped with specific behaviours that were encouraged and shared throughout the workshop. Each one was introduced slowly to
Designing Transformative Meetings and Workshops
Could you energize your participants without caffeine? Have you been enjoying the return to in-person events and workshops? It’s been so nice to see groups of people connecting and sharing with colleagues and industry peers. I’ve been noticing a blend of in-person and online meetings with many organizations to keep costs and efficiencies in check. When asked to design an experience and facilitate meetings for either format, my approach is largely the same. After completing experience design training through Scaling Intimacy, I’ve found the tools and formula for each experience so effective, I use them every time. Here are four tips to consider next time you plan a meeting, workshop or event: Identify the desired outcome Why are you bringing people together? What do you hope to achieve? Will you make it worth everyone’s time? Will they know what to do after the meeting? A well-designed experience encourages some kind